Aviation expert Mike Boyd found himself defending India’s aviation safety standards after Fox News host Brian Kilmeade suggested the country might bear responsibility for a Boeing aircraft crash that occurred on June 12, 2025, outside the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
The incident involved an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people that crashed in a residential area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft was en route to London Gatwick Airport when it appeared to lose power after takeoff, reaching approximately 625 feet before going straight down to the ground.
During a Fox & Friends segment, Kilmeade initially questioned whether the incident might have been intentional, asking Boyd if the flight pattern suggested deliberate action. Boyd responded that while he could not rule it out completely, power failure appeared more likely as the cause.
The conversation took a contentious turn when Kilmeade began probing potential responsibility among various parties. He questioned whether Boeing, Air India, or Indian authorities could be at fault, suggesting that different countries and airlines might implement varying rules and regulations for aircraft maintenance and operations.
Kilmeade pressed Boyd on the responsibility chain, noting that while Boeing manufactures the aircraft, individual airlines like Air India assume maintenance responsibilities once they purchase the planes. He suggested that some countries or airlines might have different standards for aircraft operations.
Boyd acknowledged that airlines do put their own operational stamp on aircraft when ordering from manufacturers, and that all modifications must receive proper approval. However, he firmly pushed back against any suggestion that India maintains substandard aviation safety practices.
The aviation consultant noted that while India’s transportation system might appear chaotic from a marketing perspective, the country has consistently maintained strong safety standards. Boyd emphasized that safety protocols have always been present in Indian aviation operations, contradicting any implication of negligent oversight.
Boyd directly countered Kilmeade’s suggestions by stating that “India is not sloppy” when it comes to aviation safety standards. This firm rebuttal came as the expert explained that an airline’s influence on aircraft primarily occurs during the ordering process, when they work directly with Boeing on specifications and configurations.
The 787 Dreamliner involved in the crash had maintained an impeccable safety record until this incident, making the accident particularly noteworthy within aviation circles. The aircraft model represents one of Boeing’s newer designs and had not previously experienced similar catastrophic failures.
Video footage of the disaster circulated on social media, showing the aircraft’s final moments before impact. The crash occurred in a residential area, raising concerns about ground casualties in addition to the 242 people aboard the aircraft.
Boyd’s defense of Indian aviation standards comes at a time when the country has worked to modernize its aviation infrastructure and improve international perceptions of its safety protocols. India has invested significantly in airport infrastructure and regulatory oversight in recent years.
The exchange highlights ongoing debates about international aviation safety standards and the role of national authorities in overseeing aircraft operations. Different countries maintain varying regulatory frameworks, though international standards generally ensure consistency across major aviation markets.
The June 12 crash represents a significant incident for both Air India and Boeing, as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the power failure that led to the aircraft’s rapid descent. The investigation will likely examine multiple factors including mechanical failure, maintenance records, and operational procedures.
Boyd’s expertise in aviation matters has made him a frequent commentator on aircraft incidents, and his willingness to challenge suggestions about international safety standards demonstrates the importance of factual analysis over speculation in aviation accident coverage.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex factors involved in modern aviation safety, where multiple parties including manufacturers, airlines, and regulatory authorities share responsibility for ensuring passenger safety across international routes.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/expert-shuts-down-fox-news-114945594.html
https://www.foxnews.com/media/aviation-expert-casts-doubt-bird-strike-theory-deadly-south-korean-plane-crash-sense
https://www.foxnews.com/us/plane-crashes-spark-renewed-fear-flying-10-causes-aviation-disasters
